Grant: Planning Grants

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive optical technique using non-ionizing light in the near infrared spectrum (700-1000 nm) to monitor tissue oxygenation, hemodynamics, and metabolism in real-time. NIRS use has been validated extensively for skeletal muscle, cartilage, cancer, and in functional neuroimaging applications, and has demonstrated safety and versatility. Due to NIRS' flexibility and portability, it is used for human brain studies that are not possible using traditional behavioural imaging, e.g., fMRI; and for studies of skeletal muscle metabolism, which EMG can not assess. Thus NIRS is an ideal tool for collaborative research efforts in dynamic research environments. NIRS' affordability and portability are well-suited to use in rural and remote northern BC. Our proposed meeting's primary goal is to assemble researchers, clinicians, community organizations, and regional health professionals to educate them on NIRS' versatility, and to address collaboratively how it could be beneficial to our diverse teams in northern BC. A further goal is idea exchange among these knowledge partners to develop a plan for acquiring NIRS equipment to be housed at the University of Northern BC (UNBC), and for applying for operating funds to use NIRS in health, psychological, neuroscience and biomedical sciences. To achieve these goals we have invited NIRS experts to convene with local/regional partners during meetings and activities to enhance our collective knowledge of NIRS, and determine how to incorporate NIRS into our clinical and academic pursuits. Using NIRS at the UNBC, Northern Medical Program, and University Hospital of Northern BC will enhance training opportunities for HQP at these institutions. NIRS' full potential and applications need to be evaluated and examined through a northern lens so that we and our partners can coordinate the first studies targeted to pioneering NIRS for diagnostics in rural and remote health research and practice.